Higher Employer Support payments for Defence Reserve Dentists

Employers of dentists may be entitled to payments of $4500 a week when they release their employees for Australian Defence Force Reserve service.

Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, approved an increase to health professional Employer Support Payments (ESPs) this week. "When a health professional serves part-time in the Navy, Army or Air Force Reserves, they are making a substantial contribution to Australia's national defence. They are also picking up both professional and general skills, and gaining from experiences that are quite different from those they normally encounter in their civilian health positions", he said.

For further information on the higher level payments for health professionals under the Employer Support Payment Scheme, see the Employer Support Payment section of the new Defence Reserves website (look under ‘Claims under CDF Capability Provisions’), phone the Employer Support Payment Scheme help line on 1800 803 485, or email esp@defence.gov.au.